Standardbred Canada (SC) is inviting horse lovers, harness racing fans and curious CNE visitors to stop by the Better Living Centre, also known as “The Farm,” during the 2026 Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), Aug. 21 to Sept. 7, in Toronto, Ont., for an up-close look at Standardbreds.

Following the success of SC’s inaugural CNE exhibit in 2025, the organization is returning for a second year with an expanded presence at the Better Living Centre, supported by the Central Ontario Standardbred Association (COSA) and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).

This year’s exhibit will feature live Standardbreds, interactive experiences, educational demonstrations, miniature horses, industry representatives and activities for visitors of all ages.

New Start Standardbreds will supply five breed ambassadors who will rotate throughout the 18-day exhibition: Houchiegouchiemama (83-6-8-19, $39,111), Legal Litigator (168-39-30-23, $875,783), Real Rocker (185-22-21-25, $276,224), Deadly Action (180-11-21-30, $124,997) and Bunnyboy (0-0-0-0, $0).

Visitors will have opportunities to meet the horses and learn more about the Standardbred breed through educational demonstrations and scheduled meet-and-greet opportunities.

SC presenters will also conduct demonstrations throughout the CNE, providing an educational look at the care and equipment involved in harness racing. Topics will include horse care, harnessing and feeding protocols used when preparing a Standardbred for the races.

For many CNE visitors, the exhibit will provide a first opportunity to meet a Standardbred in person and experience the breed’s size, athleticism and personality.

The Standardbreds will be joined by miniature horse Quinton, who will offer scheduled guided jog cart rides for visitors.

SC’s virtual reality harness racing simulator will also return, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the races from the driver’s seat.

SC is pleased to welcome OLG as a major sponsor of the SC CNE exhibit. OLG and COSA are supporting SC’s efforts to introduce thousands of CNE visitors to horse racing and the Standardbred industry.

OLG will also bring its charging and water station to the SC exhibit, providing visitors with a place to recharge their devices, grab some water and take a break while surrounded by Standardbred horses and the sights and sounds of the harness racing industry.

Equine Guelph will contribute educational resources to the SC exhibit, including informational signs, grooming tools and creative activities designed to help visitors learn about horse anatomy, farm safety and nutrition.

The 2026 CNE will feature its traditional midway, live entertainment, food, shopping, exhibits and family attractions.

Among the highlights are:

• The Canadian International Air Show, returning for its 77th year during Labour Day weekend.
• SuperDogs: Fairy Tails, the popular canine performers in a new show.
• Classic Championship Wrestling, returning with live wrestling action.
• Urban Edge: Ice Skating & Acrobatic Show, combining skating and acrobatics.
• Kids’ World, featuring programming and entertainment for young visitors.
• Gaming Garage, interactive gaming experiences.
• Bell SOUNDSTAGE at the Bandshell, featuring live musical performances throughout the exhibition.
• The CNE Farm, showcasing agriculture and farm animals in the heart of Toronto.
• The Midway, featuring rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.

The CNE will also feature crafting workshops, the Garden Show, walking tours, special events and a wide range of food and shopping options.

Those interested in working with Standardbred Canada at the CNE are encouraged to apply through [email protected].

The 2026 Canadian National Exhibition runs from Aug. 21 to Sept. 7 at Exhibition Place in Toronto. The CNE grounds are scheduled to be open from 10 a.m. to midnight, with buildings open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The midway operates from 11 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and 10 a.m. to midnight on weekends. Labour Day hours vary, with the grounds scheduled to close at 9 p.m.

Visit Standardbred Canada in the Better Living Centre throughout the 2026 Canadian National Exhibition, Aug. 21 to Sept. 7.

(Standardbred Canada Press Release)